2013 NFL First Round Mock Draft: November 30th

November 30th, 2012

MDD Lead Editor: Eric Galko

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
It’s still unclear whether Geno Smith is a worthy of the #1 overall pick, but when a team like the Chiefs is desperate for a new QB, the value gets a bit erased. While they could go the free agent round, a new head coach may want his own QB to groom (as opposed to Alex Smith signing), and Geno is the best in this class.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State*
The best prospect in this class in my opinion, the Jaguars should target the best player available. Werner has the strength in his hands and lower half to drive on the inside, but also has the athletic ability to set the edge as well. A quarterback may be an option, but they need talent across the board and Werner could be special.

3. Philadelphia Eagles – Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M*
It’s clear the Eagles are desperate for offensive line help, and they should take the best one available. While many may view his teammate Luke Joeckel, as the top tackle, I think Matthews just edges him out. Although he played right tackle in college, Matthews can likely shift to left if need be, but adds the consistency and inside leverage protection they need.

4. Oakland Raiders – Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Carson Palmer was inherited by the current Raiders management, and they likely don’t want him to be the quarterback of the future. Barkely hasn’t been as impressive as he was as a junior, but he’s still going to impress NFL executives. Still a reach as a Top 5 pick, teams that need QBs tend to reach.

5. Cleveland Browns – Manti Te’o, ILB, Notre Dame
The Browns have invested into their linebacking corps recently, but Te’o Is a different breed of linebacker and leader. Te’o instantly gives this defense the ability to lead and develop all the talent already on this roster. Te’o is the best senior prospect in this class.

6. Carolina Panthers – Star Lotulelei, DT, UtahNow that they have depth at linebacker and defensive end, it’s time for the Panthers to invest heavily into the defensive tackle spot. Star (or Johnathan Hankins) fill a desperate need for the Panthers, and Star could make every defensive player better.

7. San Diego Chargers – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M*
Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers have consistently gone backwards. While part of that is the lack of offensive weapons for Rivers, adding a top tier talent on the offensive line certainly would help. A new regime likely will have needs changed, but offensive line help will always be a need.

8. Buffalo Bills – Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
Buffalo has put out signals that they likely will target a new quarterback in next year’s draft, and Tyler Wilson may be the type of fit and worthwhile talent to be taken here in the Top 10. Buffalo has many needs, but finding their “franchise” quarterback for Ralph Wilson may be objective number one.

9. Tennessee Titans – Dion Jordan, DE, OregonDespite needs, the Titans always seem to stock up on defensive line talent, they likely will relish the chance to find a way to use Dion Jordan. While the secondary is likely a bigger need, adding a pass rusher as unique and talented and Jordan may help their pass defense as well.

10. Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama*Adding help to this defensive secondary should be a prime objective, as they’ve already invested into the front seven consistently. Milliner could go even higher as the draft’s best defensive back prospect, but the Lions snatch up Milliner and get a solid value.

11. Arizona Cardinals – Mike Glennon, QB, NC StateThe Cardinals need a quarterback. Period. I hope Ken Whisenhunt gets a chance to coach again next year, and Mike Glennon is the best quarterback left, and may draw some comparison to Whisenhunt’s former QB in Big Ben.

12. New York Jets – Chance Warmack, OG, AlabamaWith Santonio Holmes, Stephen Hill, Jeremy Kerley, and Shonn Greene returning next year, the Jets should address both QB and offensive line. While reaching for a QB with Sanchez on the roster may be an option, getting another top offensive linemen to help protect Sanchez/new QB may be the best stop gap for a team that’s not THAT far away talent-wise.

13. St. Louis Rams – Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan*The Rams could potentially use two offensive tackles, but getting one with left tackle upside here in the middle of the first round in Lewan is a great value for a team just a few pieces away from a playoff berth.

14. Miami Dolphins – Robert Woods, WR, USc*Here’s the pride and joy of this mock draft. The Dolphins could look at a variety of options (see our “Dolphins Big Board” here), but receiver is the obvious need at this point. Woods is an elite level athlete, fits the offense well, and give Ryan Tannehill a long term target to develop with.

15. New Orleans Saints – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State*The Saints could use depth/a new starter at linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle. The best of the bunch on the board is Johnathan Hankins, who could go as high as the Top 5. Getting a runs stuffer and big bodied interior presence is what the desperate Saints defense needs.

16. St. Louis Rams (via Washington) – Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri*After addressing the offensive line at pick 13, the Rams should look to continue to improve their defense, and adding one of the drafts defensive linemen is a huge plus. Adding Richardson with Michael Brockers, Robert Quinn, and Chris Long may not be an ideal rotation, but gives this Rams defense loads of depth and talent at a premium position.